Calculation of Plasma Radiation in Electrothermal-Chemical Launcher

A numerical model of radiation has been adopted for electrothermal-chemical (ETC) launcher, in which Monte Carlo method and statistical physics are employed to simulate the process of a capillary plasma source in an ETC launcher. The effect on propellant grains with different average absorption coefficients is discussed. The plasma-propellant interaction is also discussed when combined with a thermal model. Results show that the strong instantaneous radiation is responsible for the transmission of energy to the propellant grains leading to ignition. The efficiency of energy absorption in the propellant bed always maintains a high level. Radiant energy caused by plasma is concentrated around the plasma injector. And the “hot zone” efficiency is mainly affected by the properties of propellant grains within a small field around the plasma injector.